Mushers and their dogs have been running across the Alps in France to compete in the 11-day La Grande Odyssee sled dogs race 2012.

The race, dubbed as the toughest race in the world, covers over 1000 km (621 miles) across the slopes of the Alps in France.

Check out below the latest pictures from the race as thousands of people gathered to watch the exhilarating event set against the backdrop of the majestic, snow-clad Alps.

La Grande Odyssee Sled Dogs Race
Mushers and their dogs compete after the mass start of the eighth stage of the La Grande Odyssee sled dogs race in Bessans Jan. 16, 2012. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
La Grande Odyssee Sled Dogs Race
A musher and his dogs run through the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc during the eighth stage of the La Grande Odyssee sled dogs race Jan. 16, 2012. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
La Grande Odyssee Sled Dogs Race
A musher and his dogs compete during the eighth stage of the La Grande Odyssee sled dogs race near Bessans Jan. 16, 2012. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
La Grande Odyssee Sled Dogs Race
A dog jumps before the mass start of the eighth stage of the La Grande Odyssee sled dogs race in Bessans Jan. 16, 2012. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
La Grande Odyssee Sled Dogs Race
Mushers and their dogs compete after the mass start of the eighth stage of the La Grande Odyssee sled dogs race in Bessans Jan. 16, 2012. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
La Grande Odyssee Sled Dogs Race
A musher and his dogs run through the village of Bonneval-sur-Arc during the eighth stage of La Grande Odyssee sled dogs race Jan. 16, 2012. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
La Grande Odyssee Sled Dogs Race
A musher and his dogs run next to the Mon-Cenis Lake during the seventh stage of La Grande Odyssee sled dog race near Mont-Cenis Jan. 15, 2012. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse